Norrie being the audience surrogate also helps us learn about the supporting cast, fleshing out the themes of the story.

And I’m pretty sure we can all relate to having a favorite show that ends with an unresolved cliffhanger. It’s a great through line that illustrates Victoria’s growth as a character. And most importantly, when she sees Taylor again at the end, her former best friend being snarky about it cements the end of their friendship. Learning that most of the folks at the stable are fans is what helps inspire her to make peace with forever arch nemesis Norrie. Seeing the logo on Sam’s (the only boy at the stable) bag is what finally cracks the ice for her. Looking at it from a plot structure perspective, Beyond the Galaxy serves as the bridge between her old life and new. And as their marriage was ending, their young daughter would drown out the shouting with her favorite Star Trek flavored sci-fi show canceled after three seasons, Beyond the Galaxy. Her parents went through a nasty divorce some years ago. It’s not too long after that we learn of another heartbreak in Victoria’s life. Particularly when it’s over Victoria not being able to afford her own horse. The first page of the book is her befriending a pony. And by this time, we’ve already been shown how much Victoria loves riding.

The multiple flashbacks of the same moment give us a sense of how long they’ve been friends, even if they only really span a few minutes. Victoria came to Edgewood after a falling out with her former best friend Taylor, who no longer believes that Victoria really cares about riding, and therefore their friendship. It also stretches out the heartbreak that made her leave Waverly. The glimpses we get of her past slowly open her up to us, mirroring her struggles opening up to her new Edgewood stablemates. While Victoria is ostensibly the protagonist, we’re given her backstory story in doses. And anchoring the story with her is the right decision. Norrie as a character is an absolute delight. Because after all, Edgewood and Waverly are sworn enemies. While the first character we are introduced to is Victoria, our point of view character is the overly excitable Norrie, who immediately declares the new member of their stable the enemy. The more horse savvy readers will appreciate the care with the riding scenes and anatomy, informed by Hicks’s own experience riding. But managing to communicate it visually without losing the book’s vibrant look is impressive. It would have been easy enough to use a B&W or sepia palette for those panels. Though the subtle muted tones used in the flashbacks are a nice touch. Kelly Fitzpatrick’s vivid colors pair well on their own. Hicks’s art has always been exceptionally animated and expressive. And friends.įirst and foremost, the book looks great. But this fresh start means rejecting competitions. After a falling out with her best friend, Victoria begins riding at Edgewood Stables.

Ride On by Faith Erin Hicks